Rod holder system

ABSTRACT

A rod support device including an exterior flange, a female portion configured to receive a telescoping rod, and a male portion configured to extend beyond the surface of a wall. In one aspect, the male portion may include one or more circumferential ribs. In another aspect, the female portion may include a fastener aperture configured to receive a fastener, such as a screw. In yet another aspect, the rod support device may include a cap configured to cover the female portion when not in use.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a rod holder system and a method ofmounting a rod, for example, a shower curtain rod, a curtain rod, and/ora clothing rod. Typically, rods are mounted in one of three methods. Themost common method involves directly mounting the rod to a wall orsurface, this method requires drilling holes and mounting fasteners inthe wall. The mount is on the outside of the wall and is subject todamage and abuse.

Another common method is utilizing a tension spring rod, which usesoutward spring or thread bias to secure the rod in place. However, thismethod does not result in a securely fastened connection and oftenresults in the rod becoming loose and falling. As should be appreciated,a falling rod is a danger and potential cause of injury for a user.

A third method involves inserting the rod into a separate holdingdevice, the holding device is typically held onto the wall by suctionpressure. Similar to the tension spring rod, this method does not resultin secure and reliable retention of the rod.

As can be seen above, there is not currently a method of securing a rodthat results in a study connection, where the rod is able to be easilyremoved without unsightly wall damage.

Thus, there is a need for improvement in this field.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a rod holder system for use with shower rods, curtain rods,clothing rods, and the like. Generally, the rod holder system includesan exterior flange, a female portion, which receives a rod, and a maleportion that is generally inserted into or formed within a pair ofopposed walls or surfaces.

Further forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages, andembodiments of the present inventions will become apparent from adetailed description and drawings provided herewith

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rod support device.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the rod support device of FIG. 1 including afastener aperture.

FIG. 3. is a front view of the rod support device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4a . is a side view of the rod support device of FIG. 1 includingone or more circumferential ribs.

FIG. 4b . is a side view of the rod support device of FIG. 1 includingone or more circumferential ribs with one or more hooks.

FIG. 4c . is a side view of the rod support device of FIG. 1 includingone or more circumferential ribs with one or more wedges.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the rod support device of FIG. 1 without one ormore circumferential ribs.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the rod support device of FIG. 1 including thefastener aperture.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the rod support device of FIG. 1including a cap.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the rod support device of FIG. 1 withthe cap inserted.

FIG. 9. is a perspective view of a rod support device with a rectangularexternal flange.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a rod support device with a triangularexternal flange.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the rod support device of FIG. 2 mounted in awall.

FIG. 12 is a front view of the rod support device of FIG. 2 mounted inthe wall.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a shower stall including the rod supportdevice of FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the rod support device of FIG. 1mounted in the shower stall.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the shower stall of FIG. 14 showing theinsertion of a rod into the rod support device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the shower stall of FIG. 14 with therod secured in the rod support device.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a window opening including the rodsupport device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a shower stall including an integralrod support device.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a tile including an integral rodsupport device.

FIG. 20 is a side view of the tile of FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinventions, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinventions is thereby intended. Any alterations and furthermodifications in the described embodiments, and any further applicationsof the principles of the inventions as described herein are contemplatedas would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which theinventions relate. One embodiment of the invention is shown in greatdetail, although it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevantart that some features that are not relevant to the present inventionsmay not be shown for the sake of clarity.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a rod support device 100. The rod supportdevice 100 is configured to securely support a rod, for example atelescoping rod, in a variety of applications. Different applicationsmay result in different material choices for the rod support device 100.For example, the rod support device may be made of metal, ceramic tile,stone, glass, plastic, rubber, wood, stainless steel, and/or anycombination thereof. To better-fit individual applications, the rodsupport device may be paintable, stainable, remain its natural color,and/or any combination thereof.

The rod support device 100 may be used to support shower rods, curtainrods, clothing rods, and/or any similar type rod device. Generally, therod support device 100 includes an external flange 105, a male portion110, and a female portion 115. In one example, the external flange 105is circular. However, in other examples, the external flange 105 may berectangular, triangular, and/or a custom shape decided by a consumer inorder to better suit the decor of a room. The male portion 110 isgenerally mounted to the external flange 105 and retains a cylindricalshape. The male portion 110 is designed to be mounted inside of a wallin order to provide a secure base for the rod support device 100. Thefemale portion 115 is generally cylindrical in order to secure a rod,however, in the event that the rod has ends that are not circular inshape, the female portion 115 may be altered accordingly. For example,if the rod has square ends, the female portion may be rectangular so asto better secure the rod. Similarly, a diameter 120 of the femaleportion 115 is adjustable based on the intended usage and rod size. Forexample, if the rod has a diameter of 2 inches, then the diameter 120 ofthe female portion 115 will be approximately 2.05 inches to create atight fit with the rod. In other examples, the diameter 120 of thefemale portion 115 may range from 0.1-12 inches in diameter.

As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the rod support device 100 may includevariations based on the intended usage. For example, FIG. 2 shows therod support device 100 including one or more fastener aperture 205. Inone embodiment, the fastener aperture 205 is located in and defined by abase 210 of the female portion 115 and is configured to provideadditional security when mounting the rod support device 100 in thewall. The fastener aperture 205 is configured to receive a fastener suchas a screw, molly bolt, toggle bolt, bolt, rivet, anchor, nail, and/orany combination thereof. In an example embodiment, a molly bolt (orsimilar device) is integrated with the rod support device 100. The mollybolt allows the rod support device to be inserted into a wall with asmaller opening. Once the rod support device is inserted into the wall,the fastener (typically a machine screw) in the molly bolt may be turnedclockwise to expand the sleeve and grip into the interior surface of thewall. Thus, a secure connection is established without the need for anoversized opening in the wall surface. Additionally, as shown in bothFIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the exterior flange 105 may include both an interiorbeveled edge 215 and an exterior beveled edge 220.

Turning to FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c , and 5, the rod support device 100 is shownwith multiple variants based on the intended usage. Looking to FIG. 4a ,the rod support device 100 is shown with one or more circumferentialribs 405. The circumferential ribs 405 create a ridged surface on themale portion 110, which in turn work to further secure the rod supportdevice 100 in the wall, preferably in a stud, and prevent failure.Turning next to FIG. 4b , the rod support device 100 is shown with amodified exterior flange 415. The modified exterior flange 415 isconfigured to create a water-tight fit with the wall based on a 90°angle 417 formed by the flange. The rod support device 100 in FIG. 4bfurther includes one or more modified circumferential ribs 420. Themodified circumferential ribs 420 include at least one hook 422. Thehook 422 is configured to prevent removal of the rod support device 100by “hooking” or engaging the wall once installed. Furthermore, the benddescribed by the hook 420 facilitates an easy installation of the rodsupport device 100, but difficult removal. Similar to FIG. 4b , FIG. 4cshows an example of the rod support device 100 with a wedge shapedexternal flange 425. The wedge shaped external flange 425 includes awedge 427. The wedge 427 is configured to provide less of a “lip” orprotrusion from the wall. The less protrusion, the less potential thatthe flange will be exposed to strong forces that could lead to failure.Also shown in FIG. 4c , the rod support device 100 includes one or morewedge shaped circumferential ribs 430. The wedge shaped circumferentialribs 430 include a wedge 432. The wedge 432 is configured to flex orbend when the rod support device is mounted or pushed into the wall.This flex allows for easy installation in the wall and a reduction inthe amount of force needed to “push” the device into the wall opening.However, the shape of the wedge 432 prevents removal of the rod supportdevice 100 by catching on the wall or stud as an outward pulling forceis applied. In an alternate embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, the maleportion 110 is free of any circumferential ribs resulting in a smoothsurface area. This embodiment allows for a less drilling required tomount the rod support device 100 in the wall.

FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c , and 5 each show an example of a depth 410. The depth410 describes the total distance from the inside of the exterior flangeto the exterior of the base of the female portion. Described anotherway, the depth 410 describes the thickness of the male portion 110.Generally, the depth 410 is embedded in and hidden within the wall wherethe rod support device 100 is mounted and provides structure to thesystem. The external flange 105, (typically about ¼ inch, ⅛ inch thick,or thinner), when installed is proud, and is the only part proud(extending from) the installed wall surface. Note, throughout “wall” mayinclude drywall, masonry, trim wood, and/or other surfaces. Conversely,optionally the depth 410 (as well as with other embodiments in thisdocument) is preferably greater than ⅜ inch so as to extend beyonddrywall and into a stud.

FIG. 6 shows a rear view of the rod support device 100. From this view,we are able to see an inside surface 605 of the exterior flange 105 aswell as an exterior surface 610 of the base 210. The inside surface 605is generally configured to abut a wall surface and prevent rod supportdevice 100 from receding or falling into the wall. The exterior surface610 is configured to abut a stud or framing in the wall and create asolid backstop for the rod support device 100.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show an optional cap 700 interacting with the rod supportdevice 100. The cap 700 may include a head 705 connected to a plug 710.The cap 700 is generally configured for use when a rod is not insertedinto the rod support device 100. The plug 710 of the cap 700 is insertedinto the female portion 115 of the rod support device 100 and is securedvia a friction fit. The friction fit mechanism allows for the cap 700 tobe easily removed and added as needed. Generally, the function of thecap 700 is to provide a watertight seal for the rod support device 100,thus preventing wear and tear on the system. Optionally, the cap 700 maybe decorated to serve as an artistic piece to the room when the rod isnot in use. In one example, the cap 700 is made of a polymeric plasticmaterial. However, in other examples, the cap may be made of metal,plastic, rubber, wood, stainless steel, and/or any combination thereof.

Shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 are two possible variations for the rod supportdevice. FIG. 9 shows a variation of the rod support device 900 where anexterior flange 905 is generally rectangular in shape. Similarly, one ormore circumferential ribs 910 are rectangular in shape to correspondwith the shape of the exterior flange 905. However, the male portion 915and the female portion 920 remain cylindrical in shape so as to bestsecure a rod. FIG. 10 shows a variation of the rod support device 1000where an exterior flange 1005 is generally triangular in shape.Similarly, one or more circumferential ribs 1010 are triangular in shapeto correspond with the shape of the exterior flange 1005. However, themale portion 1015 and the female portion 1020 remain cylindrical inshape so as to best secure a rod. It should be appreciated that theprevious are just two examples and other shapes and designs areenvisioned as well. For example, a U shape, W shape, Hexagonal shape,and/or any other polygonal shape. Additionally, each component can beshaped differently, for example, the exterior flange may be rectangularwhile the female portion is triangular and the one or morecircumferential ribs are circular.

In contrast, with the circular shaped support devices (see e.g. FIGS.1-8) the outer diameter of the male portion 110 (FIG. 5) or the optionalribs 405 of the male portion (FIG. 4) is optionally either at or nearone and one half inch or two inch in diameter. This facilitatesinstallation using standard hole saws of those dimensions with the rodsupport snugly fitted therein.

Turning to FIGS. 11 and 12 the rod support device 100 is shown mountedin a wall 1105. The wall 1105 may be comprised of a variety of buildingmaterials. For example, the wall may be made of wood, tile, concrete,drywall, fiberboard, plywood, plastic, fiberglass, metal, rubber, and/orany combination thereof. In the example embodiment, the wall 1105 ismade of wood framing 1106 with drywall 1107 mounted to the framing 1106.The drywall 1107 generally includes an exterior surface referred to hereas a first surface 1110. The first surface 1110 is typically the surfacethrough which the rod support device 100 is mounted.

Multiple variations in the method of mounting the rod support device areenvisioned, however, in the interest of space an example embodiment andmethod of mounting will be explained here. To begin a user selects aninstallation location for the rod support device and marks the intendedlocation on the first surface 1110. Next, the user uses a tool, such asa hole saw or a core drill, to create an opening in the wall 1105 sizedaccording to a diameter 1120 and depth 410 of the male portion 110. Thediameter 1120 is variable based on whether the rod support deviceincludes the one or more circumferential ribs 405. In an example wherethe rod support device includes the one or more circumferential ribs405, the diameter 1120 is sized according to the diameter of thecircumferential ribs 405. In an example where the rod support devicedoes not include any circumferential ribs 405, the diameter 1120 issized according to the diameter of the male portion 110. The opening maychange location based on the intended usage of the rod holder system100. For example, the opening may be drilled through the drywall andinto the framing of the wall for higher strength applications. Inanother example, the opening may be drilled into the drywall only forlower stress applications and more flexibility in placement. In yetanother example, the opening may be drilled through tile, fiberboard,and into framing for extreme stress applications.

Once the opening has been properly sized, the user selects the rodsupport device variant that best fits the intended use. For example, theuser may select a rod support device without circumferential ribs forusage applications where the rod holder system is placed in the framingof the wall. In another example, the user may select a rod supportdevice with circumferential ribs in an application where the rod supportdevice is placed in only drywall. In yet another example, the user mayselect a rod support device with circumferential ribs in an applicationwhere the rod support device is placed through tile, fiberboard, andinto the framing of the wall.

After the user selects the proper rod support device, the method ofmounting is determined. Some examples of common mounting methods includeusing a fastener, adhesive, and/or using a combination of fasteners andadhesive. To list some non-limiting examples, the user may elect tomount a rod support device without circumferential ribs by usingadhesive. In this case, the user will apply adhesive to the insidesurface 605 of the exterior flange 105, around the circumference of themale portion 110, and to the exterior surface 610 of the base 210. Theadhesive may be a resin, a hot melt adhesive, contact spray adhesive,acrylic adhesive. anaerobic adhesive, epoxy adhesive, conductiveadhesive, pressure adhesive, and/or any combination thereof. In the casewhere the user elects to use the rod support device with the fasteneraperture, the rod support device is mounted by securing a fastener 1115through the fastener aperture 205 and into the framing 1106 of the wall1105. The fastener 1115 may be a screw, rivet, bolt, nail, and/or anycombination thereof. In another example, the user may elect to securethe rod support device using a combination of adhesive and fasteners. Inthis case, the adhesive is applied to the inside surface 605 of theexterior flange 105 and the fastener 1115 is secured into the framing1106 of the wall 1105 through the fastener aperture 205.

FIG. 13 shows an example of the completed system in a shower stallenvironment 1300. The system includes a shower stall 1305, a telescopingrod 1310, and one or more rod support devices 1315. As can be seen inthe figure, the rod support devices 1315 are generally mountedequidistant from each other and are in direct longitudinal, vertical andlateral alignment. The telescoping rod 1310 is easily removable from therod support device 1315 in the event the shower stall 1305 needs cleanedor maintained. Furthermore, the rod support device 1315 are securelyfastened into the shower stall 1305 and surrounding wall. As a result,someone grabbing the telescoping rod 1310 and applying a downward forcewill not be able to tear the rod support device 1315 out of the wall andcreate unsightly damage. Preferably, the rod may be sold in a kit withtwo supports.

Preferably, the rod, with its material characteristics andcross-sectional moment(s) of inertia, at 4 feet in length will have acenter downward buckling failure force that is less than one-half of thedownward shear failure force of each support device (installed). Thesupport devices are used in pairs, mounted in opposing walls.

FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 show a magnified version of the optional showerstall environment 1300. FIG. 14 simply shows the rod support device 1315securely mounted in the shower stall 1305. In FIG. 15, the telescopingrod 1310 is being inserted into the rod support device 1315. Generally,the telescoping rod 1310 is inserted in the manner indicated by arrow1505. For example, the arrow 1505 indicates that a first end 1510 of thetelescoping rod 1310 is inserted into a first rod holder system 1515,located in the first wall 1520 of the shower stall 1305, by pushing thefirst end 1510 into the female portion 115 of the first rod supportdevice 1515. Following this, the same process is completed with a secondend of the telescoping rod. After both the first end 1510 and the secondend of the telescoping rod 1310 are secured in the respective femaleportions 115 of the rod support device 1315, the installation iscomplete as shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 17 shows an example of a rod support device mounted in a windowopening 1700. This example includes a window opening 1705, a telescopingrod 1710, and one or more rod support devices 1715. The method ofinstallation and usage is similar to that of the shower stall version1300, however the rod support device 1715 may be used to hang curtainsor similar items in front of the window opening 1705 in order to blockout sunlight at will.

FIG. 18 shows an example of a shower stall with an integrated rodsupport device 1800. Generally, the shower stall with an integrated rodsupport device 1800 includes a shower stall 1805 and one or moreintegrated rod support devices 1810. The integrated rod support devices1810 work similarly to the separate rod support devices described abovein FIGS. 13-16, however, the integrated rod support devices 1810 aremolded and manufactured with the shower stall 1805 by the manufacturer.Similar to the separate rod support devices, the integrated rod supportdevice is generally positioned more than 55 inches above the level ofthe finished floor. In another example, the integrated rod supportdevice is positioned between 65 and 75 inches above the level of thefinished floor. In yet another example, the integrated rod supportdevice is positioned 70 inches from the finished floor. The integratedrod support device 1800 also includes a depth 1815; the depth isgenerally dependent on the application. For example, a depth of morethan 3/64^(th) of an inch is generally desired for securing a rod.However, in another example, a depth of less than 3/64^(th) of an inchmay be desired for securing rod that is in a lower traffic area.

The manufacturers may mold the shower stall 1805 with various shapes anddesigns of the integrated rod support device 1800. For example, themanufacturer may mold the shower stall 1805 with a circular integral rodsupport device, similar to that in FIG. 18. In another embodiment, themanufacturer may mold a support device in the shape of a “U”. In yetanother embodiment, the manufacturer may mold a support device in arectangular shape. As should be appreciated, including the rod supportdevice 1810 at the time of manufacture is advantageous, as it does notresult in cost related to construction or retrofitting of an old showerstall.

Turning now to FIGS. 19 and 20, a tile, in one embodiment a shower tile,is shown with an integrated rod support device 1900. Similar to what hasbeen described previously, the integrated rod support device 1900includes an exterior flange 1905, a male portion 1910, and a femaleportion 1915. The components of the integrated rod support device 1900are generally made from ceramic, carbon fiber, porcelain, glass, marble,stone, plastic, and/or any combination thereof. The tile used may comein a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the application, forexample, the tile may be a square, rectangular, triangular, subway tile,mosaic tile, hexagonal tile, plank tile, and/or any combination thereof.In an example embodiment, the tile is the 4×4 ceramic type tile with adepth 1920 of no more than 1″. In another example, the tile is ahexagonal glass tile with the depth 1920 being no more than 0.5″. In yetanother example, the tile is a rectangular subway type tile with thedepth 1920 being no more than ⅜″. As should be appreciated, integratingthe rod support device 1900 into a tile allows a user to quickly andeasily mount the rod support device wherever is convenient. In addition,the integrated rod support device provides a clean and uniformappearance without the need to retrofit existing tile and risk damage tosurrounding structures.

In alternative embodiments rather than a flush outer wall and the recesswithin the wall or tile, the support device, (for example 1900 in FIGS.19 and 20 and/or 1800 in FIG. 18), may instead extend proud of the tileor other wall (shower wall). Such device is integral with the tile orshower walls. In such case, there is less or no part of the supportdevice extending into the wall (away from the outer wall and away fromthe other, opposing support device); and, this has particular advantagewith tile. For example, with a flush or nearly flush inner wall of thetile, it may more readily be adhered to backing (e.g. cement board orotherwise) without drilling a hold in the backing. That helps maintainwater tight integrity in a shower.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ALTERNATIVE WORDINGS

While examples of the inventions are illustrated in the drawings anddescribed herein, this disclosure is to be considered as illustrativeand not restrictive in character. The present disclosure is exemplary innature and all changes, equivalents, and modifications that come withinthe spirit of the invention are included. The detailed description isincluded herein to discuss aspects of the examples illustrated in thedrawings for the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principlesof the inventions. No limitation of the scope of the inventions isthereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in thedescribed examples, and any further applications of the principlesdescribed herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilledin the art to which the inventions relate. Some examples are disclosedin detail, however some features that may not be relevant may have beenleft out for the sake of clarity.

Where there are references to publications, patents, and patentapplications cited herein, they are understood to be incorporated byreference as if each individual publication, patent, or patentapplication were specifically and individually indicated to beincorporated by reference and set forth in its entirety herein.

Singular forms “a”, “an”, “the”, and the like include plural referentsunless expressly discussed otherwise. As an illustration, references to“a device” or “the device” include one or more of such devices andequivalents thereof.

Directional terms, such as “up”, “down”, “top” “bottom”, “fore”, “aft”,“lateral”, “longitudinal”, “radial”, “circumferential”, etc., are usedherein solely for the convenience of the reader in order to aid in thereader's understanding of the illustrated examples. The use of thesedirectional terms does not in any manner limit the described,illustrated, and/or claimed features to a specific direction and/ororientation.

Multiple related items illustrated in the drawings with the same partnumber which are differentiated by a letter for separate individualinstances, may be referred to generally by a distinguishable portion ofthe full name, and/or by the number alone. For example, if multiple“laterally extending elements” 90A, 90B, 90C, and 90D are illustrated inthe drawings, the disclosure may refer to these as “laterally extendingelements 90A-90D,” or as “laterally extending elements 90,” or by adistinguishable portion of the full name such as “elements 90”.

The language used in the disclosure are presumed to have only theirplain and ordinary meaning, except as explicitly defined below. Thewords used in the definitions included herein are to only have theirplain and ordinary meaning. Such plain and ordinary meaning is inclusiveof all consistent dictionary definitions from the most recentlypublished Webster's and Random House dictionaries. As used herein, thefollowing definitions apply to the following terms or to commonvariations thereof (e.g., singular/plural forms, past/present tenses,etc.):

“About” with reference to numerical values generally refers to plus orminus 10% of the stated value. For example, if the stated value is4.375, then use of the term “about 4.375” generally means a rangebetween 3.9375 and 4.8125.

“Adhesive” generally refers to any non metallic substance applied to oneor both surfaces of two separate parts that binds them together andresists their separation. For example, an adhesive can bond both matingsurfaces through specific adhesion (e.g., molecular attraction), throughmechanical anchoring (e.g., by flowing into holes in porous surfaces),and/or through fusion (e.g., partial solution of both surfaces in theadhesive or its solvent vehicle). Some non-limiting examples ofadhesives include liquid adhesives, film adhesives, resin adhesives,rubber adhesives, silicone-based adhesives, mastics, metal-to-metaladhesives, plastic adhesives, rubber adhesives, sprayable adhesives, andhot melt adhesives, to name just a few.

“And/or” is inclusive here, meaning “and” as well as “or”. For example,“P and/or Q” encompasses, P, Q, and P with Q; and, such “P and/or Q” mayinclude other elements as well.

“Circumference” generally refers to the perimeter of a circle orellipse. That is, the circumference would be the arc length of thecircle, as if it were opened up and straightened out to a line segment.Something said to be around the circumference would be located aroundthe outside of the circle or ellipse.

“Fastener” generally refers to a hardware device that mechanically joinsor otherwise affixes two or more objects together. By way of nonlimitingexamples, the fastener can include bolts, dowels, nails, nuts, pegs,pins, rivets, screws, and snap fasteners, to just name a few.

“Female” means here a description of a structure that connects toanother structure that includes hollow portions for receiving portionsof a corresponding male connector.

“Flange” generally refers to a projecting flat rim, collar, or rib on anobject, serving to strengthen or attach or to maintain position on arail.

“Friction Fit” or “Interference Fit” generally refers to a form offastening between two tight fitting mating parts that produces a joint,which is held together by friction after the parts are pushed together.

“Horizontal” generally refers to a plane or direction. An item thatmoves in the sideways direction is generally said to move horizontally.For example, a lever fixed on one end to a rod that is able to move tothe left and right is said to move horizontally.

“Male” means here a description of a structure that connects to anotherstructure that includes portions that fill or fit inside the hollowportion of a corresponding female connector.

“Metal” generally refers to a material that is both ductile andmalleable. Additionally, metal refers to a generally hard and hardymaterial, often used in construction and fabrication. Some examples ofmetals are: steel, aluminum, iron, brass, bronze, copper, gold, silver,stainless steel, galvanized steel, and tool steel to name a few.

“Mounted” means physically attached to or held in place by. This may beby fasteners, adhesives, conduits, brackets, over molded plastic, orotherwise.

“Multiple” as used herein is synonymous with the term “plurality” andrefers to more than one, or by extension, two or more.

“Optionally” as used herein means discretionary; not required; possible,but not compulsory; left to personal choice.

“Plastic” has the meaning, polymer or monomer material.

“Polymer” means here a material characterized by a molecular structureformed from the repetition of subunits bonded together. Examplesinclude, but are not limited to, plastics or rubber.

“Predominately” as used herein is synonymous with greater than 50%.

“Rib” as used herein means a raised ridge above another surface. It maybe contiguous or interrupted.

“Telescope” or “Telescoping” generally refers to an object that includessections that are able to fit or slide into each other, so that theobject can be made longer or shorter at will. For example, a telescopingrod may include 2 sections of slightly different diameters enabling therod halve or double its length by pulling the sections apart or pushingthem together.

“Thickness” generally refers to the measure of the distance betweenopposite sides of an object. As used here, the thickness of an objectthat is positioned between two surfaces is measured from between the twosides of the object that contact the surfaces.

“Tile” generally refers to a thin slab of clay, concrete, or othermaterial used in construction or decoration. Tile may be rectangular,circular, triangular, and/or hexagonal. Additionally, tile may be usedon roofs, in bathrooms, kitchens, and/or a variety of places where ahard and resilient material is needed. Some common tile types are:ceramic tile, glass tile, porcelain tile, cement tile, marble tile,mosaic tile, granite tile, and/or limestone tile to name a few.

“Vertical” generally refers to a plane or direction. An item that movesupward or downward is generally said to move vertically. For example, anitem that is able to move up and down is said to move vertically.

“Wall” means here is structure that forms a solid surface. It may be aportion of a house, room, or otherwise. A wall may be planar ormultiplanar and may be constructed of any of a variety of materials,including, but not limited to metal, concrete, wood, or plastic.

“Wall Thickness” generally refers to the measured distance between theopposing outside surfaces of an object.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for supporting a rod, comprising: Afirst rod support device mountable in and beneath a first face of afirst wall, said first device comprising, an exterior flange and a cup,wherein the cup has a male portion configured to extend into and beyondthe first surface of the first wall, and wherein the cup has a femaleportion configured to receive a rod, A second rod support devicemountable in and beneath a second of a second wall, said first surfaceand said second surface facing each other, the second device comprisingan exterior flange and a cup, wherein the cup has a male portionconfigured to extend into and beyond the second surface of the secondwall, and wherein the cup has a female portion configured to receive arod; Wherein the first rod support device and the second rod supportdevice are aligned directly across from each other, and; An extendablerod with a first end and a second end, wherein the distance between thefirst end and the second end defines a length, and wherein when extendedthe length is greater than a distance between said first surface andsaid second surface, and wherein the first end is received in the femaleportion of the first rod support device and the second end is receivedin the female portion of the second rod support device.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the rod support devices in said walls extend not morethan one-quarter inch proud of the outer surfaces of said walls.
 3. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein the female portion of the rod support deviceincludes a depth, and wherein the depth is a minimum of one inch.
 4. Thesystem of claim 3, wherein the female portion of the rod support deviceincludes a width, and wherein the width is a minimum of ½ of an inch. 5.The system of claim 4, wherein the male portion of the rod supportdevice includes at least one or more circumferential ribs configured tosecure the rod support device in the wall.
 6. The system of claim 5,wherein the rod support devices male portion is circular with a diameterselected from the group consisting of: one and one half inch outerdiameter, and two inch outer diameter.
 7. The system of claim 6, whereinthe rod support devices are secured in the wall by a fastener oradhesive.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein said two support devices arein a kit further comprising: a rod having structural characteristicssuch that at 4 feet in length will have a center downward bucklingfailure force that is less than one-half of the downward shear failureforce of each support device.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein theexterior flange of the rod support device defines a rectangle.
 10. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the exterior flange of the rod support devicedefines a triangle.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the femaleportion of the rod support device includes a depth, and wherein thedepth is a minimum of one inch.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein saidtwo support devices are in a kit further comprising: a rod havingstructural characteristics such that at 4 feet in length will have acenter downward buckling failure force that is less than one-half of thedownward shear failure force of each support device.
 13. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the male portion of the rod support device includes atleast one or more circumferential ribs configured to secure the rodsupport device in the wall.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the rodsupport devices male portion is circular with a diameter selected fromthe group consisting of: one and one half inch outer diameter, and twoinch outer diameter.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the rod supportdevices are secured in the wall by a fastener or adhesive.
 16. A systemfor supporting a rod, namely a shower curtain rod, comprising: A firstwall having a first surface and a second, opposite facing wall having asecond surface facing said first surface; A first rod support in thefirst wall and comprising, a cup, wherein the cup has a female portionconfigured to receive a shower curtain rod, A second rod support in thesecond wall and comprising, a cup, wherein the cup has a female portionconfigured to receive the shower curtain rod, Wherein the first rodsupport device and the second rod support device are aligned directlyacross from each other, and; An extendable shower curtain rod with afirst end and a second end, wherein the distance between the first endand the second end defines a length, and wherein the length is greaterthan a distance between said first surface and said second surface, andwherein the first end is received in the female portion of the first rodsupport device and the second end is received in the female portion ofthe second rod support device.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein saidshower rod has structural characteristics such that at 4 feet in lengthwill have a center downward buckling failure force that is less thanone-half of the downward shear failure force of each support device.